Forgiving Buckner? - The Boston Red Sox, 1987 and beyond

[soxfan93]

After reading dynasties managed by Petrel, CatKnight, Mr. Perfect, Mizerak, and many others, I have fallen in love with the art that is Baseball Mogul Dynasty Writing. For more than a year now, I have wanted to do this, though I never have. This is partly because of time, interest in a certain year*, and the fact that I have 7 dynasties that I am currently working on for myself. However, I feel that I have what it takes to gain interest in my dynasty, keep myself interested, and maybe, just maybe, wind up in the Baseball Mogul Hall of Fame**.

* I have always had a difficult time choosing what team and year I wanted to use. My 7 dynasties range from 1901 Boston Americans to 1965 Boston Red Sox to 2007 San Francisco Giants.

** Okay, that one is unlikely. With all of the great dynasties on this forum, I'll be lucky if I receive the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award.

[soxfan93]

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October 27, 1986
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"Behind the bag! It gets through Buckner! Here comes Knight and the Mets win it!"

Vin Scully's call can still be heard at Shea Stadium. It is Monday, October 27, 1986. Saturday night, the New York Mets overcame a 5-3 deficit by scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the tenth inning to win Game 6 of the World Series 6-5. Boston Red Sox 1B Bill Buckner is to blame, perhaps, because of an error that allowed the winning run to score. Mets OF Mookie Wilson hit an easy ground ball down the first base line, which should have ended the game... And did. However, instead of Buckner picking up the ball to tag first base, he allowed the ball to roll between his legs, scoring 3B Ray Knight from second base, in what can only be called the single biggest error in Major League History.

Three minutes after the error, and twenty-four hours before finding out that Game Seven had been postponed, Vin Scully stated that, "If one picture is worth a thousand words, then you have seen about a million words, but more than that you have seen an absolutely bizarre finish of Game Six of the 1986 World Series, the Mets are not only alive, they are well, and they will play the Red Sox in Game Seven tomorrow."

After failing to win their first World Series in 68 years Saturday night, the Red Sox will try again tonight. Will they be able to forget Saturday night's misfortunes? Can Bill Buckner move on? Tune in tonight on your local NBC station to find out.

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October 28, 1986
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The New York Mets have defeated the Boston Red Sox, 8-5, to win the 1986 World Series, 4 Games to 3. Mets Closer Jesse Orosco took the mound, replacing reliever Roger McDowell, with nobody out in the eighth to pitch two full innings, giving up no runs, no hits, no walk, striking out two (including Red Sox 2B Marty Barrett, swinging, for the final out). Mets 3B Ray Knight led off the seventh with a home run to give the Mets their first lead of the night, while OF Darryl Strawberry matched him in the eighth.

Knight was named the MVP of the 1986 World Series.

[soxfan93]

Alright, the following information is being posted to tell you what I am doing, like everyone else does.

Game: Baseball Mogul 2008 (I didn't get it this year, probably will next year. Hopefully, this doesn't make people not want to read it.)
Year: 1987
Team: Boston Red Sox
Finances and Computer GMs Difficulty: Mogul
PBP Difficulty: Mogul

Rules:

1. I will never go $5 Million over my payroll budget. Fire Sales are imminent, most likely.
2. I will never make any more than 3 trades during any calendar year.
3. I will never sign any more than 5 free agents during any calendar year.
4. I can re-sign any number of players in their contract seasons, however, I cannot exceed budget in doing so.

Goals

1. Win the World Series before 2004.
2. Attain a Mogul Rating over 100.

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Games will be done in PBP Mode, under the General Manager setting. I will post in a series-by-series format.

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I am open to suggestions, if you post any. I will consider them.

[Mizerak]

Neat idea. I look forward to seeing what happens.

[soxfan93]

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November 2, 1986
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Lou Gorman, General Manager: "Look, after the other night, we have to move him."
John McNamara, Manager: "Why? He's still productive, isn't he?"
Gorman: "Yes, he hit 18 Home Runs with 102 RBI's, with a .267 AVG. And, John, come on, he's gonna be 37 years old in December. Isn't it time to move on, anyway?"
McNamara: "I guess so. But do we have enough depth to replace that production?"
Gorman: "I think we do, but, if not, I'll find somebody. That is my job, isn't it?"
McNamara: "Yes, it is. We have Don Baylor on our bench. Would he fill in?"
Gorman: "Well, Don was statistically better this season. He hit 31 Home Runs with 94 RBIs and a .238 Batting Average. However, he is also 37."
McNamara: "So, what's your point, Lou?"
Gorman: "We need to get younger, more affordable. You know how baseball works: it's all business. Why pay a million bucks when you don't have to?"
McNamara: "That's a good point. Alright, go out, build me a team, and I'll take it from there."
Gorman: "I can do that. Goodbye."
McNamara: "Goodbye. And good luck."

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Gorman (on phone): "We need you down here. Can you be here at 2:30?"
1B Bill Buckner: "Yeah, I'll be there."

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Gorman: "Bill, how are you doing today?"
Buckner: "I'm still angry about that ground ball. How could I let that happen?"
Gorman: "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, we, as an organization, cannot allow that to happen again. Our first thought was to make you the DH."
Buckner: "But what about Jim Rice?"
Gorman: "That was the problem with that theory. That means that we only have one other choice: Move you."
Buckner: "To what? Outfield? Bench? I'll do anything to redeem myself from the World Series."
Gorman: "Well, I'm happy to hear you say that. However, you will need to do it for another team."
Buckner: "What?"
Gorman: "I'm sorry, Bill, but we're going to have to move you. In other words, we will explore trade scenarios with other teams. If that doesn't work, you will be released. You will not be in Red Sox Spring Training; you will be gone by then, one way or another."
Buckner: "Oh my God... Are you serious?"
Gorman: "Yes. I'm sorry, Bill, but we feel this is best for-"
Buckner: "You know what? Save it. I don't need your sympathy. You want to trade me? Do it. Release? Do it. Boston is my third team. What's one more?"
Gorman: "That's interesting... You can find your way out of here, right? Or are you going to make an "error" in judgement?"
Buckner: "Whatever."

[filihok]

Or are you going to make an "error" in judgement?"

HaHa...dis

[soxfan93]

HaHa...dis

Yeah, haha, I really wanted to slip that in there :P

[soxfan93]

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November 15, 1986
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McNamara: "Have you found anything yet?"
Gorman: "No. Surprisingly, there are not many teams interested in a 37 year old first baseman who has never hit 20 homers in a season."
McNamara: "How long has Bill been playing again?"
Gorman: "He made his Major League debut in 1969 for the Dodgers."
McNamara: "And he's never hit 20? Is that possible?"
Gorman: "I guess so. The only way that I can see moving him is to pay his contract, even if we get nothing in return."
McNamara: "Is that a joke?"
Gorman: "Unfortunately, no, it isn't."
McNamara: "Have you considered unconditional release?"
Gorman: "That would cost even more."
McNamara: "So, what are you going to do?"
Gorman: "... I don't know yet. We're going to have to move on, whether he's here or not. Just send him back to Rookie ball or something."
McNamara: "Yeah, maybe they can teach him how to field a ground ball."
Gorman: "Exactly. I'll keep looking."
McNamara: "Okay."

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November 29, 1986
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Gorman (on phone): "Good afternoon, ma'am. This is Lou Gorman, General Manager of the Boston Red Sox. I was hoping to speak with Sandy Alderson. Is he in?"
A's Secretary: "Yes, he is. I'll patch you through."
Gorman: "Thank you very much."

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Sandy Alderson, Oakland Athletics General Manager: "Hello?"
Gorman: "Good afternoon, Mr. Alderson."
Alderson: "Hello, Mr. Gorman. What can I do for you?"
Gorman: "Well, sir, I was curious whether or not Mark McGwire is available. Is he?"
Alderson: Laughs. "He certainly could be, for the right price..."
Gorman: "What are you looking to acquire?"
Alderson: "We are currently seeking a backup third baseman, however, Mark will cost a lot more than that."
Gorman: "Understandable. Do you have any interest in 1B Bill Buckner?"
Alderson: Laughs. "Not at all. We are really interested in prospects. Young, controllable, and affordable players that can contribute for the next six years."
Gorman: "Okay. We have quite a few solid prospects that could be included. Another player that could be sent is CF Dave Henderson. Are you interested in him?"
Alderson: "Actually, yes, we are. We could make a deal involving him?"
Gorman: "Absolutely. And, don't worry, he would in no way be the center piece on our end."
Alderson: "Oh, yeah? Who else do you have in mind?"
Gorman: "Does SP Eric Hetzel interest you?"
Alderson: "That kid you took number one a couple of years ago?"
Gorman: "Yeah. My scouts have told me that he has a lot of potential with good work habits. He could be included."
Alderson: "That could work. Who else?"
Gorman: "We've got a couple of other pitching prospects that could be included."
Alderson: "Like who?"
Gorman: "Reliever Josias Manzanillo. This kid is going to be something special, potentially a great closer in the league."
Alderson: "Hmmm... Well, Eck is getting older, not to mention the fact that his contract expires after 1988. Alright, he could be included."
Gorman: "I've got another reliever you should check out: Paul Quantrill. He could be a very good setup man. He has the potential."
Alderson: "Yes, that could work, too. I'm a little bit weary of making this deal, though."
Gorman: "Catching prospect John Flaherty. He is 19, so he has plenty of time to develop into a big league catcher."
Alderson: "Alright. I think we could do that deal. Run it back to me?"
Gorman: "Sure. 1B Mark McGwire and, say, P Joe Bitker in exchange for CF Dave Henderson, P Eric Hetzel, P Josias Manzanillo, P Paul Quantrill, and C John Flaherty. What do you think?"
Alderson: "Interesting... Can you give me a few days to talk it over with the owners?
Gorman: "Of course."
Alderson: "Okay, I will call you back on Tuesday."
Gorman: "That sounds good. Have a good weekend."
Alderson: "Thanks, you too. Goodbye."
Gorman: "Goodbye."

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[EVEN11323]

Nice start. You seem like you are committed to this, so I hope to be reading this a long time from now. And don't worry about playing BM 08, in these reports, it's pretty hard to notice. Plus, IMO, you're not missing much from 09. Good luck!

[soxfan93]

Nice start. You seem like you are committed to this, so I hope to be reading this a long time from now. And don't worry about playing BM 08, in these reports, it's pretty hard to notice. Plus, IMO, you're not missing much from 09. Good luck!

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I am very committed to this dynasty, and I'm even more so now that I know people are reading it. I've got a lot of ideas to employ within the next few weeks (and more after )

[soxfan93]

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December 2, 1986
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Lou Gorman (on phone): "Hello?"
Sandy Alderson: "Good morning, Mr. Gorman. This is Sandy Alderson."
Gorman: "Oh, hello. How are you doing today?"
Alderson: "Ah, so far, so good."
Gorman: Laughs. "Well said, sir."
Alderson: "Yes. My call is regarding your trade proposal for 1B Mark McGwire."
Gorman: "Okay."
Alderson: "Well, I have discussed it with Mr. Haas, Jr., weighing the pros and the cons to a deal like this. And after careful analysis of our organization, and the trade itself, we have decided to accept your proposal. We feel that Eric Hetzel can be the ace of our staff for years to come. Along with him, our scouts have given Josias Manzanillo and Paul Quantrill very good reports. They can make our bullpen, easily. John Flaherty could become a starter on our team; if not, the rest of the deal would make up for it. I have always liked Dave Henderson, and am very happy to have him."
Gorman: "Well, it was a pleasure doing business with you, sir."
Alderson: "With you, as well. Good luck this season."
Gorman: "You too. Goodbye."
Alderson: "Goodbye."

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Gorman (on phone): "Remember when I told you that I would find somebody?"
McNamara: "For what?"
Gorman: "First base."
McNamara: "Oh, yeah. Why? Did you?"
Gorman: "Have you ever heard of Mark McGwire?"
McNamara: "Yes, I have. How do you plan on getting him in a Red Sox uniform?"
Gorman: Laughs. "John, I already have."

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[PotatoOfCouch13]

Sweet. Let's hope he left his needles in the bay...

Good start, I'm looking forward to this!

[soxfan93]

Yeah, really. Well, if necessary, he will be suspended.

Like you said, let's hope it never gets to that haha.

[soxfan93]

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December 4, 1986
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Lou Gorman: "Mark, we would like to welcome you to Fenway Park. This is your new ballpark."
Mark McGwire, Boston Red Sox First Baseman: "Thank you, sir. I'm very happy to be here."
Gorman: "And we are very happy to have you. This is John McNamara, he will be your manager."
John McNamara: "Hello, Mark. How do you feel about batting cleanup?"
McGwire: "Sounds great."
McNamara: "Good. You should get plenty of pitches to hit, as you are currently scheduled to hit between Wade Boggs and Dwight Evans."
McGwire: "Cool."
Gorman: "Shall we start the press conference?"
McGwire: "Yeah."
McNamara:"Okay."
Gorman: "Alright. Let's go."

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Gorman: "We would like to officially announce that the Boston Red Sox have acquired rookie first baseman Mark McGwire from the Oakland Athletics for center fielder Dave Henderson and four prospects. We felt that Mark would add a great dimension of power to our already solid offense, not to mention an improvement to the defense."
Press laughs.
Gorman: "So, allow me to introduce our newest acquisition, first baseman, Mark McGwire."


Mark McGwire waves to the press as he takes his seat.

McGwire: "Thank you, Lou. I'm very happy to be a part of this organization, and excited to help lead the team back to the World Series."
Gorman: "Well, we all hope you do."
McGwire: "Thank you, sir."
Gorman: "You're welcome. We would also like to announce that Bill Buckner is available. Any team that is interested, please call me."

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[filihok]

You have a lot of confidence in a guy with 53 major league at bats, to bat him clean up for the defending AL champions